Architecture for home network on world wide web with private-public IP address/URL mapping

Abstract

A method for providing user interfaces in a first network to a remote access device, the first network including interconnected first devices and at least one interface device for connecting the first network to a second network. The remote access device establishes communication with the second network and sends a request to the interface device for accessing the first network; at least one of the first devices obtains information from one or more of the first devices, and generates a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information, the reference including an external address such that the device is accessible from the remote access device; the interface device sends the user interface description to the remote access device; and the remote access device displays a user interface based on the user interface description.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Applicants claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 220,030 entitled “Methods and Apparatus For Remotely Accessing and Controlling a Home Network,” filed on Jul. 21, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 220,032 entitled “Methods and Apparatus For Internal-External IP Address Mapping When Remotely Accessing and Controlling a Home Network,” filed Jul. 21, 2000, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.NOTICE OF INCLUSION OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL[0002]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the field of networks, and more particularly, to home ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system and method for controlling devices in a network using a remote access device. The method includes the steps of: (a) the remote access device establishing communication with the network; (b) the remote access device sending a request to access the network to the interface device; (c) the interface device obtaining information from the devices in the network and generating a user interface description including a reference to the device information of each device, the reference including an external address for the device in the network; (d) the interface device sending the user interface description to the remote access device; and (e) the remote access device displaying a user interface based on the user interface description for user interaction with the network. The invention allows for secure communication between the remote access device and the network, and facilitates user interaction with the network through the user interface.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback associated with using the remote control unit to command and control home devices is that it provides static and command logic for controlling and commanding each home device.

Therefore, a particular remote control unit can only control and command those home devices for which it includes the necessary control and command logic.

For example, if a remote control unit comprises logic for controlling a television (TV), a video cassette recorder (VCR), and a digital video device (DVD), but not a compact disk (CD) unit, the remote control unit can not be used to command and control the CD unit.

In addition, as new home devices are developed, the remote control unit will not be able to control and command the new home devices that require control and command logic that was not known at the time the remote control unit was developed.

Further, typically a remote control unit can only be used to command and control those home devices that are within the signal range of the remote control unit.

Therefore, a user cannot use the remote control unit from a single location in the house to control and command home devices that are interconnected, but located in separate areas of the home.

If a user wishes to play a tape contained in the VCR located upstairs in the bedroom, on the TV located downstairs in the family room, the user cannot control and command both the TV and the VCR from a single location.

Another drawback associated with using remote control units is that known remote control units cannot control a plurality of diverse devices, and more particularly, cannot control a plurality of devices having different capabilities to communicate with each other in order to accomplish tasks or provide a service.

Further, conventional network systems do not provide a mechanism for software applications in different network devices to automatically communicate with one another in order to accomplish tasks without direct user command.

Further, if the device displaying the central user interface becomes unavailable, user control of the network is curtailed.

Another problem with the central / singular page is that every UI device must display the same page, and a scope is not provided for each manufacturer to generate its own UI look and feel nor alter the technology used in the UI device.

Nor can a UI builder tool obtain e-business icons from an external Web Portal.

Such a model cannot be standardized for industry use because a central / single UI device controls the UI.

Further, existing networks only allow communication and control of devices connected to a network (e.g., 1394) using said central user interface, without the ability to provide user interface and control of devices and services connected to another different network (e.g., Internet).

Nor do existing networks allow remote communication with, and control of, devices connected to a network (e.g., 1394 home network) via another different network (e.g., Internet).

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